Windows 7: Microsoft Windows 8.2 Scheduled For January 2014

Threshold is the next "wave" of windows updates just as "Blue" is the current wave for all systems.

Microsoft codename 'Threshold': The next major Windows wave takes shape | ZDNet

A spring update but not 8.2

Jim

I wish there was a real alternative to Windows like PS4 is to Xbone. If there was a good option that was competitive with Windows while maintaining a similar GUI/user experience, we could get them to do something like they did when they did a 180 on the ridiculous restrictions they put on the XBone.

Geesh, some vendors must be creamin' in the jeans; they get to make more money from their crappy software with pay for updates while also passing the blame on Microsoft for their products not working properly.

How many times have we heard the ole "sorry but your version of Windows isn't supported at this time; please contact Microsoft" Click

Hi there.

If you really want a Windows alternative there are some serious contenders now

For example the latest version of OPENSUSE LINUX version 13.1 -- Gorgeous Plasma KDE screen (KDE v4) , installs like a dream and any windows user wouldn't have any problem with it now -- even plugging in a USB3 drive it found the disk direct plug'n play -- no problems --read and write too. VLC handles media playing and as for streaming / server operation -- well this is where Linux has always been far superior to Windows -- and don't even START me on about Windows networking.

For stuff you MUST use windows for -- simply install VBOX / vmplayer and run windows as a VM -- or try XEN or KVM - these are a bit more complex so I'd suggest stick with vmplayer / vbox.

I'm currently logged on to a W8.1 Enterprise VM using VMware on Opensuse 13.1 -- haven't had a single problem. I've also got a W7 VM x-64 -- runs fine too.

(Note for complete beginners - to get DVD / multi-media read installing Multi-media -- you need to add stuff from PACMAN repository but the documentation is quite good).

Some Linux distros have come a LONG LONG way for desktop users recently -- even if you tried Linux say two years ago you should be pleasantly surprised -- some Distros are even more "Windows" than Windows !!!.

Cheers
jimbo

Is Linux version of VLC better than windows?
Because IMHO windows VLC is quite bad.. I deal with many video formats and containers and subtitles.
VLC is only good when file is damaged and no other player can play it.
I prefer to install filters and codecs that I need and use player that can use them (even WMP can do that).

And there is still gaming that Linux loses to windows quite bad.

Linux made far to be home user friendly but its still quite far from windows.
Even with windows 8 there is 3rd party software to bring back start menu etc..
I use windows 8 in desktop mode only an IMHO its better than Linux for home user that sometimes does some gaming.
Virtual pc just doesn't have enough power for some tasks especially for gaming

I hate to say it; but these all are just examples of why i will be sticking with windows 7. And I hope 7 is here to stay for a little while.

EOL for Win 7 is 01/14/2013. You (and I) have a little over six years to go.

unfortunately yes. Then it looks like i will probably have to upgrade my motherboard and then switch to whatever version of windows ends up being the most current at that time. unless my mb somehow will still be able to support the newest version of windows. But i doubt it.

After six years, I'm sure my machine will need upgrading (if I haven't done so already). Whether it will be for Windows, Linux, choke Mac OS gasp, or whatever remains to be seen.

If Microsoft can provide an installation option that allows you to use the Windows-7-Style GUI, then I'll get it. I'm intrigued to see how this new boot manager and networking support will work. Otherwise, I'll be sticking with 7 until something actually useful comes around.